Replacing Spoke Nipples

[weirdoku]

Hey,

The threads on one of my spoke nipples (black) has stripped, so the spoke is loose and wiggles about and makes a noise when I'm riding. I brought a pack of blue nipples and am going to replace all the ones already on my wheel.

My question is do I need to take all the nipple soff at once and replace the new nipples as if I was building a new wheel. Or, can I simply replace each one as I go along as long as I attach each nipple with the same amount of turns?

Thanks,

Savio

[Elliot]

I would say replace them one by one, but do not do them up to the same number of turns, but leave them loose and build the wheel from there. This way you can be more sure that the tension on each spoke is the same. This is going to be particularly important if the nipples are different lengths, because the same amount of turns will not bring the flange of the nipple into the rim as far if the nipple is longer.

I would do each nipple up just enough so that it covers all the thread on the spoke; gives you roughly the same start point with each nipple.

[Jamie East]

^^ I agree, if you take all of them out at once it could get a little fiddly trying to relace and figuring out the lacing pattern n all that shiz. Confuses me anyway!

But werent you thinking of getting a new hub aswell? If you do, replace the nipples then. Kill 2 birds with 1 stone as they say.

Good to see u validated m8!

[eskimo]

I'd say if you have no experience with wheel building/ truing then don't do it. Wait until you get the wheel rebuilt. Or now would be a good time to learn/ research some wheel truing/ building techniques.

[CarryingWolf]

personally id just replace the one nipple, save yourself most of a day (if your unexperienced) can be done in a couple hours if you know what your doing though.

for the building part check out http://sheldonbrown.com/wheels/index.html - wheel building god.

if your getting a new hub, youll find out how to build a wheel pretty quick. just take your time, make sure the pattern is right all the way through (1 spoke out can make you start again, ive done it.)

then just slowly bring the wheel into tension when its straight (1 turn all the way round) untill there all tight and youve got a strong wheel.

basicly replace the 1, then when u get a new hub have some fun.

[mr_malcolm]

personally id just replace the one nipple, save yourself most of a day (if your unexperienced) can be done in a couple hours if you know what your doing though.

for the building part check out http://sheldonbrown.com/wheels/index.html - wheel building god.

if your getting a new hub, youll find out how to build a wheel pretty quick. just take your time, make sure the pattern is right all the way through (1 spoke out can make you start again, ive done it.)

then just slowly bring the wheel into tension when its straight (1 turn all the way round) untill there all tight and youve got a strong wheel.

basicly replace the 1, then when u get a new hub have some fun.

If you know what your doing it would take a lot less then a couple of hours. also yeah if you dont know what our doing then only do the one for now.

[Joe_Elding]

I would say replace them one by one, but do not do them up to the same number of turns, but leave them loose and build the wheel from there. This way you can be more sure that the tension on each spoke is the same. This is going to be particularly important if the nipples are different lengths, because the same amount of turns will not bring the flange of the nipple into the rim as far if the nipple is longer.

I would do each nipple up just enough so that it covers all the thread on the spoke; gives you roughly the same start point with each nipple.

Why?

If the wheels true to start with then just go one by one, count how many turns it takes to undo completely then put the new one on and do the same amount of turns? obviously only with the non stripped nipples..

Just saves truing it again.

[Elliot]

Why?

If the wheels true to start with then just go one by one, count how many turns it takes to undo completely then put the new one on and do the same amount of turns? obviously only with the non stripped nipples..

Just saves truing it again.

I would like to know that its done right from scratch rather than counting turns, because it would get fudged somewhere, either by miss counting or by not getting the nipples in the right place again. Plus if they are different length nipples it wont be properly tensioned anyway.

On a side note I personaly wouldn't take advice off someone who takes money off people and doesnt send shit out.

[weirdoku]

Thanks for the replies! Decided that I'm just going with one by one, or just replace the one if I am going out riding when the nipples come.

I want to get a new hub but I'm sure this Shimano Deore should be ok...right?

[Dan6061]

Replace them one by one, then tighten them enough so you can see the bottom bit of thread left on each one. Once all of them are like that, start tightening each one 2 full turns, then all of them 1 whole turn, then half turns. That's how i've built my wheels, and they've been fine.

[eskimo]

Thanks for the replies! Decided that I'm just going with one by one, or just replace the one if I am going out riding when the nipples come.

I want to get a new hub but I'm sure this Shimano Deore should be ok...right?

For the rear? NO. For the front, yes if you only have a tenner.